For a moment the Captain took his pistol from my face, and stooped
to clutch at the golden coins as they trickled and ran to right and
left. The next, I had struck out with my right fist, and down he
went staggering. His pistol dropped out of his hand and exploded
between my feet. I rush'd to Molly, caught her bridle, and leap'd on
her back. 'Twas a near thing, for the Captain was rushing toward us.
But at the call of my voice the mare gave a bound and turn'd: and
down the road I was borne, light as a feather.

A bullet whizz'd past my ear: I heard the Captain's curse mingle
with the report: and then was out of range, and galloping through
the dusk.




CHAPTER V.

MY ADVENTURE AT THE "THREE CUPS."


Secure of pursuit, and full of delight in the mare's easy motion, I
must have travelled a good six miles before the moon rose. In the
frosty sky her rays sparkled cheerfully, and by them I saw on the
holsters the silver demi-bear that I knew to be the crest of the
Killigrews, having the fellow to it engraved on my sword-hilt. So
now I was certain 'twas Molly that I bestrode: and took occasion of
the light to explore the holsters and saddle flap.